Group plans to build 30 homes

Wednesday

A nonprofit group wants to build 30 new homes for low- to moderate-income people in the same east-side neighborhood that was ravaged by a tornado in 2006.

A nonprofit group wants to build 30 new homes for low- to moderate-income people in the same east-side neighborhood that was ravaged by a tornado in 2006.

The single-family homes, which will range from two to four bedrooms, would be built on vacant lots or lots now occupied by dilapidated houses. All of the homes would be lease-to-own, to instill a sense of ownership and pride in the neighborhood.

“One of the goals is for people to not think of these homes as rental homes,” said the Rev. Silas Johnson, head of Nehemiah Expansion Inc. and pastor at Calvary Baptist Church. “We want them to think of them as their homes. That brings a different attitude, a different perspective.”

Nehemiah Expansions already has completed 20 houses near Kansas Street and Wheeler Avenue. The new project, which Johnson hopes to start this year, centers on neighborhoods damaged by the March 2006 tornado.

Despite the passage of three years, Johnson said, “The area needs quite a bit more revitalization.”

The area where the houses are to be built is roughly bordered by Pope Street to the east, 17th street to the west, Laurel Street to the south and Cook Street to the north.

The overall cost of the project is estimated at $5.6 million, with actual construction costs set at $3.9 million.

Funding sources include a $1 million trust loan from the Illinois Housing Development Authority, a $300,000 grant from the city of Springfield, a $90,000 grant from the state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and tax credits through IHDA.

Windsor Homes is the general contractor for the project. The local company was also the general contractor for Nehemiah Expansion’s initial 20-house project.

“We’ve already torn down several houses. We have about three more to go,” said Mike Niehaus, president of Windsor Homes.

Ward 2 Ald. Gail Simpson said the area being targeted by Nehemiah definitely needs help.

“Home ownership creates stability in an area,” Simpson said. “Once you have home ownership, there will certainly be growth in an area. Without question, what Silas is doing is going to help the area.”

Simpson added that when people drive through and see the vacant lots, they might not realize that the neighborhood has the ability to thrive.

“It is a very viable area. And the people who live in the area and want to stay in the area deserve the same quality of life as people in other parts of the city,” Simpson said.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.

Information

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
The State Journal-Register ~ Street address: One Copley Plaza (corner of Ninth Street and Capitol Avenue), Springfield, ILMailing address: The State Journal-Register, P.O. Box 219, Springfield, IL 62705-0219 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service